Jesus, a shady lady, and eternal-life water!

The Samaritan woman probably is an outcast, but Jesus welcomes her to drink from a spring of life-giving water.

The Samaritan woman probably is an outcast, but Jesus welcomes her to drink from a spring of life-giving water.

Jesus compares new life in God to a gushing spring whose water brings new life. That’s amazing news to the woman in today’s story – and maybe to you, too!

This woman has quite the history. In a culture that prized chastity, she has been married to five men and now is living with a sixth. In a culture that expected women to be submissive, she’s sassy and has the courage to speak to Jesus directly. In a culture that educated boys but not girls, she’s smart, analytical and has the chops to question Jesus about what he tells her.

“The water that I will give will become in (those who drink it) a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.” – John 4:14b

And in a place divided by ethnicity, Jesus – a Jew – reaches out to this woman, who is a Samaritan, someone Jews would have looked down on as so much garbage. God’s spirit opens her heart to feel her spiritual thirst. Her thirst is somehow slaked by this strange visitor who talks in riddles and offers water that will satisfy for all time.

Wouldn’t you like a drink? Please guzzle with us at PEACE Lutheran Church as we open our hearts to the gushing water of God’s love. He pours it out even – especially – on folks like the Samaritan woman!

Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 95; Romans 5:1-11; John 4:5-42. Read them here. 

The Rev. Eileen Smith Le Van preaches today.

Happening at PEACE

Lenten Soup Suppers – Join us at 6 p.m. every Thursday through April 13 (Maundy Thursday) for a simple soup dinner. Then, at 7 p.m., we all head over to the Sanctuary for a short but moving Lenten Worship Service. Read more about Lent here.

Lenten Prayer Breakfast – 8-10 a.m. Wednesday, March 22, in the Fellowship Center. $10. Continental breakfast followed by a Prayer Service. Pastor Jason Bense shares information about “Declaration on the Way,” a document that describes the ways areas in which Lutherans and Roman Catholics agree on matters of faith. Registration forms and a sign-up are in the Atrium. For more information, contact Brian Smith at rfd177@gmail.com

Spring Spud Spectacular – 12:15 p.m. Sunday, March 26. Just $5 for an organic baked potato with all kinds of toppings of your choice, plus salad, chili, beverages & Leprechaun cake! You can help a wacky teen-ager go to campo and deepen his & her faith this year! Look for sign-ups in the Atrium.

Coming Up Learn more about events at PEACE here.

Adult Bible Study

The Adult Forum meets in the Old Fellowship Hall at 10 a.m. Pastor Eileen leads. Stop in the Fellowship Center around the corner to pick up coffee & baked goods!

Sunday School

Meet at 9:45 a.m. in the Youth Room downstairs. Young people of all ages are welcome!

Youth @ PEACE is our all-ages Bible study, where young disciples learn the core stories of our faith and what it means to walk the Jesus Path. This winter, we are learning about the life of Jesus (he was a kid, too). We welcome all who yearn to learn more about our loving, gracious Creator!

Bring your questions, doubts and challenges to God, the Bible and the Church – they are welcome here!

Bible memory verses: Kids can earn Bible Bucks for verses they memorize and redeem them for cool prizes! Our goal is for young people to bring God’s word deep into their hearts, supporting a lifetime of faith.

Toddler Time – God welcomes even the tiniest of disciples. Toddler Time is for all children from babies to 4 years old. Parents are welcome to stay and participate, or leave their little ones and attend Adult Forum. We start out with music in our all-ages Sunday School opening at 9:45 a.m., downstairs in the Youth Room. Then, parents and tots head upstairs to the Nursery. Our 45-minute “Frolic” curriculum is fun for children and parents. Call Youth & Outreach Coordinator Trina Kleist at (530) 575-6132 to learn more.

Get Involved at PEACE!

Get involved in small groups at PEACE Lutheran Church.

PEACE Lutheran Church gets involved in our community.